Dublin, 27th May, 2013 - Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, T.D, today announced that Mafic (Black Basalt) Ireland Limited (Mafic) will create 70 jobs over the next three years with a multi-million Euro investment in their new production facility in Kells, Co. Meath, under the Succeed-in-Ireland Initiative.

The Succeed-in-Ireland Initiative is part of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs, and is implemented by ConnectIreland under the management of IDA Ireland with the support of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

Making the announcement, Minister Bruton said: “The innovative Succeed in Ireland initiative which we launched a year ago as part of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs is about marshalling all the resources of our community and our diaspora to tackle the jobs crisis and attract new multinational companies who would not otherwise come to Ireland.

“Today’s announcement that Mafic is establishing a facility in Kells with the creation of 70 new manufacturing jobs is great news for Meath and an example of precisely what we are aiming to achieve with this initiative. Through local connections and with support from my Department through IDA Ireland, a manufacturing facility which otherwise would have gone elsewhere in the world is coming to employ people off the live register in a regional town which would ordinarily struggle to attract multinational investment. I commend all involved, and I am determined to ensure that we can see more announcements like this across the country in the coming months and years”.

The Mafic Group has secured exclusive technology rights for the production of basalt fibre. Mafic is in the process of establishing a basalt fibre production facility in Kells Business Park which will create employment opportunities for 70 people over the next three years in the areas of General Management, Shop Floor Managers, General Operatives and Administrative Staff.

Mafic Kells will be the sole production site of basalt fibre for the Mafic SA. Mafic Canada will use the fibres produced in Kells in the manufacture of composite products for the North American markets.

Mafic will produce basalt fibre from a single material, crushed basalt, which is being sourced from the Ukraine. The manufacture of basalt fibre requires the melting of the crushed basalt rock. The will be done in specially commissioned and imported furnaces to be installed in Kells in the coming months.

The Kells operation will start with three furnaces, extending to six furnaces within 18 months. These furnaces will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition there are already plans in the pipeline to have a pultrusion line to produce composites using the basalt fibres.

The facility will become Mafic’s manufacturing centre of excellence and production headquarters. Brian Dougan, Director and Secretary of Mafic S.A and Managing Director of Mafic Ireland will be based in Kells.

Brian said, ‘it is a very exciting time for our company, as we establish our production facility in Kells. We believe that we have found a perfect location for our business, with a strong supportive local community. That coupled with the availability of workers and Ireland’s proximity to the European and North American markets was a huge draw for us. We are confident that Ireland, and specifically the historical town of Kells, offers us all the necessary components to help make our business a success’.

Mafic will commence recruitment of Production Supervisors and Manufacturing Technicians immediately. The recruitment process for Production Operatives will take place throughout June and July with successful candidates for these roles commencing employment in August. A recruitment fair/evening will take place in Kells in June with advanced notice published in the local media.

Mafic would like to acknowledge the significant role played by ConnectIreland in helping it to decide to choose Ireland as a location or their production facility. Mafic would also like to extend their thanks to Meath County Council.

Media Contact:
For further information about ConnectIreland or Mafic or if you would like to arrange an interview please contact Naoise Coogan at ConnectIreland: 087 1959938 or email ncoogan@connectireland.com